To support the national agenda set by the Prime Minister of India following demonetization of INR 500/- and INR 1000/- notes, Fortis Charitable Foundation (FCF), under its SEWA initiative, extended a helping hand to citizens queuing up at various banks and ATMs to exchange notes, deposit and withdraw money. Through this SEWA, volunteers of the Foundation were able to offer water, eatables, medication and other assistance to more than 1,000 persons across the Bandra – Mahim – Dadar stretch.

More than 14 volunteers, including doctors & nurses, formed teams with 5-6 members each to carry forward this initiative. The groups offered mineral water bottles, juices, biscuits, medication and first aid kits to the public standing at ATMs & Banks. The volunteers reached out to people in as many as 25 ATMs, Bank branches and Post Offices in the Bandra to Dadar region. Refreshments were offered wherever needed with priority given to women, children and senior citizens.

An elderly resident of Mahim, Aditya Banerjee was waiting at an ATM when Fortis Foundation reached and offered refreshment. He said, “It is indeed a heartwarming initiative undertaken by Fortis Foundation to provide refreshment to people waiting at these queues. While we are really happy at the step taken by the government, this comes as a relief for all of us as we extend support to government’s effort to arrest corruption.”

Jasbir Grewal, Head, Fortis Foundation said, “The massive step undertaken by the government to demonetize high denomination note is a welcome step towards curbing black money. People have responded positively towards this initiative but nevertheless are facing hardship due to long queues at ATMs, Banks & post offices. Our volunteers reached out to people standing in long queues, as well as the committed and hardworking banking staff with water, eatables, medication & other assistance. We hope that this has helped people and contributed to their resolve to support government’s valiant effort to weed out black money & corruption.”